A View From Congress, By Former Member Martin Frost

Martin Frost, former Texas Representative (D) has an interesting take in The Hill on the House's abdication of power to the Senate, and its implications for Obama:

"If President Obama lets divided Senate Democrats dictate the shape of his legislative agenda, he will have a difficult year.

There has always been a certain amount of tension between the House and Senate, even with both bodies controlled by the same party. However, we have entered into new territory during the past year, and the next 12 months will be fascinating to watch.

It has not been unusual in recent years for far-reaching legislation to originate in the House, only to have it walked back to the center by the Senate, with compromises then made in conference. This has been true under both Democratic and Republican control.

What is different about this session of Congress is the suggestion that the Senate is so tied in knots that the House will simply have to accept without change whatever can win 60 votes in the Senate.

That would be a remarkable abdication of power by the House and is not likely to occur with any regularity in 2010."

There has also been a complete abdication from the executive to the Congress under Obama.  His lack of experience - political, managerial, executive - has clearly come home to roost.